Zoe hid a smirk behind her polite expression. Sophia was so confident, believing a red dress could win Ethan over.

"Of course," Sophia replied, completely missing Zoe's insincerity. She adjusted the diamonds on her gown, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "It's my birthday. Ethan will definitely surprise me today."

She walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, staring down at the lively crowd below.

"Sophia, do you truly believe Ethan will propose?" Zoe probed, joining her by the window.

Sophia turned, a flicker of doubt crossing her face before she forced her confident smile back. "Absolutely. He loves me. A proposal is inevitable." Zoe watched her feigned composure, sneering internally.

Sophia was celebrating too early, thinking she had everyone fooled.

"Really? But I heard Ethan has been spending a lot of time with Isabella lately," Zoe mentioned casually, observing Sophia's reaction.

Predictably, Sophia's expression darkened instantly. She bit her lip hard, fury flashing in her eyes.

"That wretched Isabella! How dare she try to steal Ethan from me!" Sophia's voice turned shrill, her fists clenching until her knuckles turned white.

"Calm down, Sophia," Zoe said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I won't let her win. I'll make sure she stays away from Ethan," Sophia seethed.

"And how do you plan to do that?" Zoe asked, her interest piqued.

Sophia took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. She walked to the table, picked up a glass of champagne, and drained it in one gulp.

"I've made arrangements. Tonight, I will ensure that Ethan and I..." Sophia paused, her eyes burning with determination. "I will become pregnant with his child."

Zoe watched her with a hidden sneer. Sophia thought a child would secure her place with Ethan. How utterly naive!

"Best of luck with that," Zoe said dryly, raising her glass to clink against Sophia's, a hint of irony sparkling in her gaze.

The banquet hall filled rapidly, buzzing with the chatter and laughter of arriving guests. Sophia maintained a composed facade, greeting each guest with a practiced smile, though her eyes constantly darted toward the entrance, searching for Ethan.

Time passed slowly. With each minute, Ethan's absence chipped away at her composure.

"Why isn't he here yet?" she whispered to herself, her expression growing worried.

Zoe approached, feigning concern. "Is everything alright, Sophia? You seem tense."

"It's nothing. Just a bit tired," Sophia replied, masking her anxiety with a strained smile.

Just then, the banquet hall doors swung open. A tall figure stepped inside. Sophia's face instantly lit up with relief and anticipation.

"Ethan!" She moved gracefully toward the entrance, her heart swelling with hope.

But reality delivered a harsh blow.

The newcomer was not Ethan, but his assistant, Benjamin. Dressed impeccably, Benjamin gave a formal nod. "Happy birthday, Miss Reed." He presented a beautifully wrapped gift box. "This is from Mr. Blackwood."

Sophia's smile froze. She maintained her composure as she accepted the gift, though her fingers trembled slightly. Whispers spread among the guests. The once lively atmosphere grew tense.

Many attendees had hoped to meet Ethan, aiming to forge connections with Blackwood Enterprises. His absence left them visibly disappointed.